I think one should ordain with a teacher they can learn from, be inspired by and can agree with the dhamma they teach. If that teacher happens to be far away, so beit. Also, I want to find a teacher who I think is as close to enlightenment as possible. If (s)he's far away, well, than I'll go to there anyway.

One year ago I was in a similar "boat" like you. Fortunately I found out:

"Monks, be islands (lights) unto yourselves,be your own refuge, having no other; let the Dhamma be an island (light) and a refuge to you, having no other." (SN22.43)

"... For those who — now or after I am gone — remain with their self as an island, their self as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, with the Dhamma as an island, the Dhamma as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, they will be the highest of the monks who desire training." (SN 47.13)

reflection wrote:One year ago I was in a similar "boat" like you. Fortunately I found out:

"Monks, be islands (lights) unto yourselves,be your own refuge, having no other; let the Dhamma be an island (light) and a refuge to you, having no other." (SN22.43)

"... For those who — now or after I am gone — remain with their self as an island, their self as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, with the Dhamma as an island, the Dhamma as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, they will be the highest of the monks who desire training." (SN 47.13)

You are misinterpreting the quotes if you think that means going it alone. Sure, have no other refuge but the dhamma. But who is going to train you in the dhamma ("monks who desire training."), help you interpret it, to guide you and make sure you are not going the wrong way, or wasting your time up blind alleys. A teacher who has experience and attainment.

Last edited by James the Giant on Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:49 am, edited 1 time in total.

Then, saturated with joy, you will put an end to suffering and stress.SN 9.11

I agree with Starter that the Dhamma is a refuge, but also with James that the Sangha is too.

Just to finish off the all important trilogy, don't forget refuge in the Buddha!

Metta,Retro.

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7

I think one should ordain with a teacher they can learn from, be inspired by and can agree with the dhamma they teach. If that teacher happens to be far away, so beit. Also, I want to find a teacher who I think is as close to enlightenment as possible. If (s)he's far away, well, than I'll go to there anyway.

One year ago I was in a similar "boat" like you. Fortunately I found out:

"Monks, be islands (lights) unto yourselves,be your own refuge, having no other; let the Dhamma be an island (light) and a refuge to you, having no other." (SN22.43)

"... For those who — now or after I am gone — remain with their self as an island, their self as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, with the Dhamma as an island, the Dhamma as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, they will be the highest of the monks who desire training." (SN 47.13)

Starter

Thank you.

But I think even those who have their self and the Dhamma as an island will do best in a community of likeminded people. Although I will miss my family, which is one thing to consider of course, I think it is important for the general benefit of the dhamma, the world and myself to train in the best possible environment. For me this community will not be very close by anyway, so if it happens to be far overseas, so be it.